Sea Lions and Salmon Native Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet Northwest Native Art

Description

This antiqued and hand-engraved Native First Nations cuff bracelet by Kelvin Thompson has been titled "
The Hunt
" and
represents the cycle of life
. It measures 1.5" wide and is 5.75" round; therefore, it
will fit a wrist between 6"-6.25" in circumference
. It has been hand-engraved and then chemically oxidized to provide it with an antiqued appearance. It often takes 5-7 years for a cuff to look this rich and high in contrast.
The sea lion is a large and powerful mammal and a skilled fisher that commands respect. Sea lions were hunted in the northern waters where they breed, and their long, thick whiskers were used in a crown-like effect around the top of a chief’s headdress. Larger and more slender than the seal, the sea lion has external ears and longer tail flippers and it uses its fore flippers for swimming. This portrayal catches the graceful character of the sea mammal, shows the small ears behind the eye, and emphasizes its prominent for flippers.
There are five species of Pacific salmon: chinook, coho, sockeye, pink, and chum. All five species hatch in fresh water, mature in the sea, then return to their freshwater homes to spawn. Salmon are honoured by all coastal peoples: this fish is a symbol of regeneration and the life cycle. Shortages of salmon are traditionally attributed to human disrespect and refusal to live by advice of the elders. Many legends express the importance of appreciating salmon and observing traditional rites of respect, such as placing all of the salmon’s bones back into the water after eating. If this rite is not observed, the salmon tend not to return. In many Northwest Coast cultures, the salmon is a symbol of good luck when seen in pairs. Two salmon represent balance, and a yin-and-yang within the natural world. The salmon is also the symbol for twins in Northwest Coast First Nations culture, and any individual who is a twin can claim salmon as his/her family crest.
Kelvin Thompson carves jewellery in silver and gold, but also creates bowls and masks from alder, maple and cedar. In 1979, he studied under and worked with Barry and Derek Wilson at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and in 1980 carved a totem pole with Henry Robinson for the Friendship Centre. He has been adopted into Henry's Haisla family. From oxidizing to intricate cut-out work, Kelvin is always experimenting and trying new things with his jewellery. In addition, he has taught many artists how to carve in silver and gold, and he is passionate about passing skills and information on to younger carvers. From September, 2007 to February, 2008 Kelvin aided Kwakwaka’wakw/Haida artist Dan Wallace in teaching the first annual Northwest Coast Jewellery Arts Program, which was held at Vancouver’s Native Education College. In 2009, Kelvin was commissioned to engrave five cuff bracelets for James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Elton John, and Vicki Gabereau for the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation fundraiser 'An Evening with Diana Krall'.
"First Nations bracelet", "Kelvin Thompson native", "Kelvin Thompson artist", "Seal Lion jewelry", "Salmon charm", "native northwest", "Douglas Reynolds gallery"